Q: What is hepatitis C?
A: Hepatitis C is an infection caused by the hepatitis C virus, or HCV. In later stages it can seriously damage the liver by causing cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Q: How is hepatitis C transmitted?
A: The hepatitis C virus is transmitted by contact with the blood of an infected person, most commonly by sharing drug-using equipment. (See About Hepatitis C: Risk factors)

Q: How will I know if I have been exposed to hepatitis C?
A: Answer the questions in our Self-Assessment Tool. If the report indicates that you have been exposed, visit your health care provider or your local walk-in clinic and ask for a blood test.

Q: How is hepatitis C different from hepatitis A or B?
A: You can become infected with hepatitis A by touching the hands of an infected person who did not wash their hands after going to the toilet, by touching something they have touched, or by contaminated food or water. Hepatitis A does not lead to long-term infection or long-term liver damage.

You can become infected with hepatitis B through contact with contaminated blood or body fluids: by sexual contact, or by sharing contaminated equipment for injection-drug use. Mothers can infect their unborn children. Some people infected with hepatitis B will develop long-term infection and are at increased risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

You can become infected with hepatitis C through contact with contaminated blood: for instance, sharing drug using-equipment, blood transfusions prior to 1992, or the use of improperly sterilized equipment for tattooing, piercing or acupuncture. There are vaccines against hepatitis A and hepatitis B. There is no vaccine against hepatitis C.

Q: What should I do if I think I may have been exposed to hepatitis C?
A: Contact your health care provider or local walk-in clinic. A simple blood test can establish whether you have been exposed.

Q: Where should I go to get treatment for hepatitis C?
A: Visit your health care provider or local walk-in clinic. If you test positive for the hepatitis C virus, and if treatment is appropriate, your health care provider will discuss drug therapy with you.

Q: Isn't hepatitis C just a problem for injection drug users?
A: No. Although the greatest risk of infection is from sharing drug-injecting equipment, there are other ways to contract the virus. (See About Hepatitis C: Risk factors)

Q: I've shared razors with my roommates - am I at risk from hepatitis C?
A: Although the risk is low, it is possible for hepatitis C to be transmitted by personal items which contain traces of blood from someone who is infected. To eliminate these risks, do not share razors, toothbrushes, tweezers, manicure or pedicure equipment such as nail clippers.

Q: I have a tattoo. Could I be infected with hepatitis C?
A: If you get a tattoo with equipment that may have been improperly sterilized, you may be exposed to the hepatitis C virus. Visit your health care provider or local walk-in clinic for a simple blood test.

Q: I had a blood transfusion in the '80s, but I feel fine. Should I go for a test?
A: Yes. Before 1992, the Canadian blood system did not provide adequate screening for hepatitis C, so there is a chance that you may have been infected with the hepatitis C virus. For more information visit your health care provider or local walk-in clinic.

Q: I'm considering having my ears pierced. Is it safe?
A: Yes, as long as the piercing equipment has been properly sterilized.

Q: I once injected drugs about 15 years ago and I'm not sure if the needle was clean. However, I've had no symptoms at all. Could I be at risk from hepatitis C?
A: Yes. If you have ever shared drug-using equipment, even if it was a long time ago, you may have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus.

Q: Is it possible to catch hepatitis C from sharing a toilet?
A: No.

Q: What will happen to me if I have hepatitis C?
A: Some people who become infected with hepatitis C will clear the virus naturally.

However, most people who become infected will remain infected for many years. The virus may affect them in the following ways:

• Some people will live their lives without developing liver damage
• Some people develop mild to moderate liver damage
• About one in five people will develop severe liver damage (cirrhosis), which can progress over a period of 20 years or more
• In some people, severe liver damage (cirrhosis) can lead to liver cancer or complete liver failure

Q: Is there any treatment for hepatitis C?
A: Yes. There are increasingly effective treatments for hepatitis C. Treatment is usually offered to people with moderate to severe liver disease. (See Treatment and Care)

Q: How successful are the treatments for hepatitis C?
A: Drug therapy clears the virus in over half of those treated. You can help stop the progression of liver damage by eliminating or reducing your intake of alcohol. (See Living with Hepatitis C)

Q: Can I get a vaccination to protect me against the hepatitis C virus?
A: There is no vaccine to protect against hepatitis C, but there are a number of ways to avoid infection. (See Prevention)

Q: I/my partner has hepatitis C. Can we have a baby?
A: Yes. There is about 1 chance in 20 of hepatitis C being transmitted from an infected mother to her baby. This risk is higher if the mother is also infected with HIV. If the male partner has hepatitis C, there is a small risk that the virus could be transmitted to the female partner during unprotected sexual intercourse. The female partner may wish to be tested for hepatitis C.

Q: I was tested for HIV several years ago but tested negative. Should I also have a test for hepatitis C?
A: If you think you may have been in contact with contaminated blood since your HIV test, or if you have taken part in 'at risk' behaviours, (see Prevention) you should visit your health care provider or local walk-in clinic.